Rafael Leao is expected to miss Milan’s upcoming pre-season friendly against Manchester United this weekend because of injury, and there is also concern that the issue could affect the possible sale of the Portugal international during the summer transfer window.
According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Leao has picked up a muscular problem and is not expected to feature in Milan’s next pre-season outing against Manchester United in Wroclaw, Poland.
The match against Manchester United will be Milan’s final pre-season friendly of the summer before they begin their 2026-27 Serie A campaign against Torino on August 23. Friday’s report adds that Leao is also in danger of missing that opening clash with Toro.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 10: Rafael Leao of AC Milan looks dejected as he leaves the pitch after being substituted during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 10, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
What may worry Milan even more is the possible impact this situation could have on the transfer market.
Leao had stated on several occasions after the 2025-26 season that he believed this was the right moment to leave Milan after seven seasons at San Siro. However, a move away has still not taken shape and, at present, the only firm interest has come from Turkey rather than from the Premier League or LaLiga, which were the destinations the player had hoped for.
La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Galatasaray have shown the strongest interest in Leao, but the Turkish club are now also considering other options and have been discussing a possible move for Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli instead.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Rafael Leao of AC Milan warms up prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
La Gazzetta dello Sport adds that Galatasaray are expected to make their final decision on the situation within the next seven-10 days.
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